Paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia in ovarian carcinoma. Issue 6432 (9th June 1984)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allan, S G; Lockhart, S P; Leonard, R C; Smyth, J F
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 288:Issue 6432(1984)
• Page Start: 1714
• Page End: 1715
• Publication Date: 1984-06-09
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.288.6432.1714
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Five patients were seen in whom a raised serum calcium concentration was associated with ovarian carcinoma (clear cell in two cases, cystadenocarcinoma in three). None showed evidence of metastases in bone. The hypercalcaemia occurred as a paraneoplastic phenomenon, but biochemical studies suggested the production of a parathyroid-hormone-like substance. One patient remained free of symptoms of her hypercalcaemia throughout. Paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia due to ovarian carcinoma may be more common than generally recognised and present as a life threatening condition requiring urgent treatment.